Many individuals, typically over the age of 60, are diagnosed with cataracts: the clouding of the lens in the eye. Many individuals over the age of 60 are also diagnosed with glaucoma. Unfortunately, both of these can be part of the natural aging process but they are not related to each other. To clarify further, cataracts affect the lens at the front of the eye causing your vision to become cloudy. Glaucoma affects the optic nerve at the back of the eye that sends signals to the brain. It is not possible to repair or replace the optic nerve. Remember, cataracts can be removed and the eye’s lens replaced so vision can be improved. Glaucoma can only be controlled and once vision is lost, it cannot be regained.
Your ophthalmologist will tailor the treatment plan for each individual’s eye to maximize the benefits and minimize the risk. There are many factors to consider when deciding the treatment plan, including when to treat, how aggressively to treat and should the two diseases be treated at the same time or separately. There are a number of options available depending on the state of glaucoma and maturity of the cataract.
Anytime the eye is opened during surgery it can cause changes within the eye. A change in intraocular pressure (IOP) after cataract surgery could be one of those changes. Immediately after cataract surgery there may be an increase in your IOP as a result of inflammation, debris or viscoelastic (a gel-like liquid used to protect your cornea during surgery) left in the eye from the surgical procedure. Usually, once your eye has recovered from surgery, your IOP will stabilize and may actually show a decrease in pressure for a period of time.
You do have options. If you currently have mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma and are undergoing cataract removal you can talk to your ophthalmologist about iStent®. iStent® Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent is indicated for use in combination with cataract surgery for the reduction of intraocular pressure in patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma currently treated with medication(s).
iStent® is the world’s smallest medical implant. It is a Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent manufactured from titanium designed for implantation into the trabecular meshwork, which is the drainage system for the aqueous fluid in your eye. The iStent® measures only 1mm in length and is about 20,000 times smaller than the intraocular lens your ophthalmologist will use when your cataract is removed. Labtician distributes this product to hospitals in Canada on behalf of Glaukos Corporation (Laguna Hills, CA).
iStent® works like the stents used to prevent heart attacks and strokes. When vessels get clogged, a stent opens them to increase the flow of aqueous fluid. Over time your eye’s natural drainage system can become clogged and the aqueous fluid starts to raise the pressure in your eye. iStent® is implanted ab-interno, or inside your eye, during your cataract procedure. iStent® will create a permanent tunnel through the blockage to restore your eye’s natural physiological outflow. By restoring this outflow the pressure is lowered and controlled within your eye. Talk to your ophthalmologist about iStent® to see if it is an option for you.
Video – Animation of iStent®
Talk to your ophthalmologist about iStent®. If iStent® is right for you it can be implanted during your scheduled cataract surgery. Once implanted, iStent® will begin working immediately to safely and effectively manage your pressure all day and all night, 7 days a week. iStent® can reduce or eliminate your need for glaucoma drugs while keeping the pressure in your eye at a safe level. Since iStent® is implanted ab-interno, or inside your eye, during cataract surgery, it is minimally invasive and spares the outside tissue of your eye for future treatment options for those patients who may require additional surgery.
If iStent® sounds like something you’re interested in, talk to your ophthalmologist. If you are undergoing cataract surgery and have mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma, iStent® may be an option for you. iStent® Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent is indicated for use in combination with cataract surgery for the reduction of intraocular pressure in patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma currently treated with medication(s).
